Beyond the DOK Wheel: Rethinking Rigor with Erik M. Francis
In this episode, we chat with internationally recognized author and educator Erik M. Francis (founder of Maverik Education) and a leading voice on cognitive rigor and depth of knowledge (DOK).
Erik unpacks why cognitive rigor is more than just a buzzword—it’s about the level and depth of thinking students are asked to demonstrate. Drawing from his bestselling books, Now That's a Good Question! and Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge, he offers a fresh take on how we frame questions, design instruction, and assess student learning.
🚨 Hot Take Alert: Erik doesn’t hold back on the DOK Wheel. He breaks down its origins, why it’s misleading, and how educators can move beyond the oversimplified graphic to truly support deeper learning.
Whether you're new to the concepts of Bloom’s Taxonomy and DOK or you’ve been wrestling with them for years, this episode brings clarity, challenge, and a renewed sense of purpose for your instructional practice.
Tune in for practical strategies, myth-busting insights, and a deeper understanding of what real rigor looks like in today’s classrooms.
Resources:
